Mr. Ben Eugene Burchette, 80, of Fuquay Varina passed away Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Rex Rehab and Nursing Care Center in Apex after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was born in Fuquay-Varina on August, 14, 1931 to the late Elijah and Ruth Mills Burchette.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, E.T. Burchette and James Burchette. Ben retired as a Lieutenant with the NC Department of Corrections after 21 years of service. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed farming and gardening. After graduating from Fuquay-Varina High School, he proudly served in the US Army during the Korean War. He was a loyal member of Christian Light Christian Church where he served as a Deacon, choir member and member of the Board of Trustees.

He is survived by his wife, Ruby Steed Burchette; sisters, Dot B. Dickens and Ruth B. Wilson and husband Gilbert; numerous nieces and nephews. The family received friends Monday evening from 6 -8 p.m. at O’Quinn-Peebles Funeral Home in Lillington.

Funeral service was held Tuesday at Christian Light Christian Church, Christian Light Rd., Fuquay-Varina, with Rev. Jimmy Elliott and Rev. Bob Coats officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Christian Light Christian Church, 4351 Christian Light Rd., Fuquay Varina, NC 27526.